Whitechapel - The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/ Lussumo Vanilla & Feed Publisher The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290657#Comment_290657 2011-04-14T20:36:04-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 SteadyUP http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5302 I'm on the fence. We'll see how good Year One is, I guess. I'm on the fence. We'll see how good Year One is, I guess.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290658#Comment_290658 2011-04-14T20:40:09-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 DavidLejeune http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4220 Already done the best it could have been in the 'Tales of the Dark Knight' episode of B:TAS.
]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290747#Comment_290747 2011-04-15T13:02:03-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 The important thing is, Kevin Conroy is the voice of the Bat. This is utterly correct. Also, interviews with writers have shown they are striving not to tone down the content.
Also, interviews with writers have shown they are striving not to tone down the content.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290826#Comment_290826 2011-04-16T03:15:36-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Gordon http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=10275 I believe the page where the Joker gets his smile back is as close to perfection as a comic page can get. Seeing it happen in real time will spoil it, or so I believe anyway. Part of its power is the ...
Think I'll be avoiding this film.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290841#Comment_290841 2011-04-16T05:53:29-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 @Gordon - easy enough to do with slow strobe lighting. Pity Dwayne McD isn't gonna be on this. He could have nailed it. Ah well. Of course I'll see this. Anyone with the nerdrage about it that ...
Pity Dwayne McD isn't gonna be on this. He could have nailed it. Ah well. Of course I'll see this. Anyone with the nerdrage about it that says they won't is lying.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290877#Comment_290877 2011-04-16T11:51:45-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 256 http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4827 I'm interested by this. It might be the antidote to Nolan's dismal "realist" Bat-trilogy. That said, if nobody's even found out yet who's writing or directing it, I don't imagine we'll ...
That said, if nobody's even found out yet who's writing or directing it, I don't imagine we'll be seeing it for some time.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290882#Comment_290882 2011-04-16T12:49:35-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 I can't bloody find a link now, but I saw a couple of interviews with the team behind this a few months ago - same crew who did All-Star Superman, basically. That's where I heard Conroy is voicing ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290883#Comment_290883 2011-04-16T13:13:07-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 jimmyjungle http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4591 I like that Legends of the dark knight bit above ,but i hope the movie's less exaggerated... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290889#Comment_290889 2011-04-16T14:39:49-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 D.J. http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=3196 With Mark Hamill out of the game after Arkham City, who will be voicing Joker? This is an important question. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290906#Comment_290906 2011-04-16T19:29:42-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Seantaclaus http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=6498 With Mark Hamill out of the game after Arkham City, who will be voicing Joker? This is an important question.Richard Epcar actually did a stellar job voicing the Joker in the Mortal Kombat vs DCU ... With Mark Hamill out of the game after Arkham City, who will be voicing Joker? This is an important question.Richard Epcar actually did a stellar job voicing the Joker in the Mortal Kombat vs DCU game. He'd certainly make for a suitable replacement for Hamill to pass the mantle off to.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290908#Comment_290908 2011-04-16T19:48:55-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 MaC http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2175 I dunno. The All Star Superman movie was missing a lot of what made the comic work and there were some really frustrating changes. It was fine for what it was, and enjoyable. But a lot was lost in ...
The All Star Superman movie was missing a lot of what made the comic work and there were some really frustrating changes. It was fine for what it was, and enjoyable. But a lot was lost in translation, too much in my opinion.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290920#Comment_290920 2011-04-16T22:21:13-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 SJD http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1298 Well it is probably wishful thinking but can I hope for Clint Eastwood voicing Batman and Tim Curry as Joker? The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=290935#Comment_290935 2011-04-17T03:35:05-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 D.J. http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=3196 @SJD The Stranger's retired from acting, so no. However, anyone who's seen Rango knows that Timothy Olyphant does a wicked Eastwood. It's not beyond the realm of possibilities that he'd be up to do ... The Stranger's retired from acting, so no. However, anyone who's seen Rango knows that Timothy Olyphant does a wicked Eastwood. It's not beyond the realm of possibilities that he'd be up to do a wicked Batman.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291058#Comment_291058 2011-04-18T07:34:52-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Mathias B http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2162 This might turn out good. But honestly, I find these DC animated things work better when they're more loosely connected to their source material (the TV shows, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291169#Comment_291169 2011-04-19T11:51:34-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 Bugger... I misremembered. I was thinking of the upcoming animated version of Batman: Year One. Silly me. (But I'm still adamant that Conroy voices the Bat, which he's doing for Year One. Has a nice ... (But I'm still adamant that Conroy voices the Bat, which he's doing for Year One. Has a nice cyclic aspect to it.)]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291181#Comment_291181 2011-04-19T13:31:17-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 you guys are going to have to let the Kevin Conroy thing go at some point. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291188#Comment_291188 2011-04-19T14:18:29-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Drew_badly http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=7895 Any of you remember the Judge Dredd audio dramas? Somewhere I remember reading they tried to make an audio version of DKR with Clint in the role of Bats. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291235#Comment_291235 2011-04-20T03:28:07-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 @William: Why? He's done Batman for over 20 years. He's about to do Year One. Why not let him do Dark Knight Returns to finish his run? I'm not against another actor taking on the role - I ... Why? He's done Batman for over 20 years. He's about to do Year One. Why not let him do Dark Knight Returns to finish his run?

I'm not against another actor taking on the role - I thought Bruce Greenwood was pretty good in the animated version of Beneath The Red Hood - but it'd be a nice touch.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291266#Comment_291266 2011-04-20T08:25:16-07:00 2011-04-20T09:54:05-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @ Cat Vincent - Kevin is great, but it's like saying only one person could draw Batman. Different takes on the character require different voice casts. I don't know where you got your info about Year ...
EDIT - I guess they announced it this morning so I guess I can talk about it now:


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-year-one-lines-up-179942]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291288#Comment_291288 2011-04-20T12:43:26-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 @William: ...yeah, I just heard. Ah well, there goes that bit of poetic symmetry! Let's see if this Ben McKenzie guy can do the job. Eliza Dushku as Catwoman, though - that makes sense on so many ... ...yeah, I just heard. Ah well, there goes that bit of poetic symmetry! Let's see if this Ben McKenzie guy can do the job.
Eliza Dushku as Catwoman, though - that makes sense on so many levels (and I kinda wish she was doing the gig on Dark Knight Rises...)]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291299#Comment_291299 2011-04-20T13:32:35-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 "...yeah, I just heard. Ah well, there goes that bit of poetic symmetry! Let's see if this Ben McKenzie guy can do the job." I haven't watched it yet, but everybody said Cranston kicked ... "...yeah, I just heard. Ah well, there goes that bit of poetic symmetry! Let's see if this Ben McKenzie guy can do the job."

I haven't watched it yet, but everybody said Cranston kicked ass in it (which isn't a surprise).


"Eliza Dushku as Catwoman, though - that makes sense on so many levels (and I kinda wish she was doing the gig on Dark Knight Rises...)"

I saw Eliza Dushku here a few weeks ago. I guess she was doing some ADR for Year One. she's cute in person.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291305#Comment_291305 2011-04-20T14:11:21-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 D.J. http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=3196 Bryan Cranston is a completely awesome choice for Gordon. He'd probably be my first choice to play him live-action, if Oldman was not available. @Will I'd bet she is!
@Will
I'd bet she is!]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=291321#Comment_291321 2011-04-20T18:14:12-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 SteadyUP http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5302 It would hurt to not have Conroy or Hamill do DKR, but thanks to Batman Beyond, Conroy already got to do a kickass old Bruce and Hamill already got to do a kickass Joker death. If Return of the Joker ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337741#Comment_337741 2012-07-31T09:57:50-07:00 2012-07-31T11:10:20-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 there is a trailer ...
http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/820585/exclusive-batman-the-dark-knight-returns-part-1-trailer.jhtml#id=1690758

"http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/820585/exclusive-batman-the-dark-knight-returns-part-1-trailer.jhtml#id=1690758]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337744#Comment_337744 2012-07-31T11:04:59-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 Can you fix the link? The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337745#Comment_337745 2012-07-31T11:08:14-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 ech, sorry. I tried using the "link" button, but it's not working for me for some reason. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. :( The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337746#Comment_337746 2012-07-31T11:10:31-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 oldhat http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=75 Fixed. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337747#Comment_337747 2012-07-31T11:17:18-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 oh my god...magic! thanks oldhat. you'd think I'd figure out this internet thing already. :/

thanks oldhat. you'd think I'd figure out this internet thing already. :/]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337754#Comment_337754 2012-07-31T13:41:01-07:00 2012-08-02T01:41:27-07:00 flecky http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=8949 Probably like a lot of people, I must have read DKR about twenty times since it came out - I don't know if the toxic weirdness of it can be properly "felt" animated, and maybe what I will ...
I wanted the punk-boss in the trailer to have a horrible squeaky voice instead of the deep growling one that is always used for a badass with big muscles - I'm a bit tired of that voice-thing. Still, I'd probably watch it - if only to see those evil little exploding flying babies at the fairground; I love those buggers!]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337775#Comment_337775 2012-07-31T17:14:59-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Beamish http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=8236 urrreerrreeeerruuu....I don't know about that. That is definitely not the voice I heard when I was reading it. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337784#Comment_337784 2012-07-31T21:47:47-07:00 2012-07-31T21:52:17-07:00 Alan Tyson http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1299 The real test for this, I think, is gonna be how they handle the whacko Reagan analogue president. "You want a mint? I love mints. They should give you a medal. You want a medal, son? I love ...
That said, the trailer looks wonderful. Robin moved perfectly, exactly how I imagined she would, scrappy yet acrobatic.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337794#Comment_337794 2012-08-01T03:49:30-07:00 2012-08-01T03:49:53-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 I'd rather watch cartoons that pinch little bits from the comics and add them too something I've never seen before Yes. Exactly. I'm not really that keen on seeing comics brought to life in ... I'd rather watch cartoons that pinch little bits from the comics and add them too something I've never seen before

Yes. Exactly. I'm not really that keen on seeing comics brought to life in cartoon form, especially when the animation is done in a different style. Year One is so beautiful, so gloriously crafted and drawn, so perfectly colored, that to see it turned into an animated feature that doesn't have enough blacks, enough weight, and is instead thin and light and anime influenced... well, it doesn't sit well with me.

Dark Knight Returns, well, the longer time passes, the more I see Frank Miller's work when unbridled as being rather ridiculous. Year One at least he had some constraints due to continuity and having to script for someone else to draw. But DKR? It's just ... silly. I mean, the mutant leader with those TEETH and those NIPPLES?! I don't think it's aged well, and seeing it in animated form with people being forced to read that dialouge aloud really brings it all to the surface.

Also, keep in mind that I am somewhat biased as I am firmly in the Conroy/Hamill camp.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337801#Comment_337801 2012-08-01T05:05:41-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 vandalhandle http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4586 Also in the conroy hamill camp, when it's 'batman: the animated series', and would rather they were doing more original 'BTAS' movies than the comic adaptations, for the comic adaptation's i'm in ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337803#Comment_337803 2012-08-01T05:47:50-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 TF http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1307 'BTAS' movies than the comic adaptations YESSSSS!!!!!!! If they want to trade in nostalgia - get to work! When I look at that trailer I don't get anything "new" from it. I think some ... 'BTAS' movies than the comic adaptations

YESSSSS!!!!!!! If they want to trade in nostalgia - get to work!

When I look at that trailer I don't get anything "new" from it. I think some people (I'm thinking of Kevin Smith for some reason) want to see their comics "faithfully" rendered into animated features because they feel it validates their favorite stories - "Frank Millar is better/cooler than Tim Burton - they should have just made this."


Having said that: I hope this is a HUGE success so some silly executive forces all involved to animate Dark Knight Strikes Again - That'll learn 'em!]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337807#Comment_337807 2012-08-01T06:44:18-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Hayama http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2287 ]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337815#Comment_337815 2012-08-01T08:50:23-07:00 2012-08-01T08:51:35-07:00 oldhat http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=75 You know, I'm impressed with the animation of it and as far as the voice acting goes...well, let's just see, alright? I personally feel bad for any voice actor playing the Joker who isn't Mark Hamil ...
My thing is that aside from some of the inner monolgues ("He's got your STYLE, Harvey...") I...really don't give a shit about this book. I agree with Rachael in that it hasn't aged well and personally I find Frank Miller to be...well, Frank Miller.

I'll watch it to see what's been added, what's been changed and see if they manage to not make it so dated, but I don't really have high hopes for this.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337820#Comment_337820 2012-08-01T09:57:27-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @oldhat - you won't hear Joker until part 2. As far as the book aging well thing..I got the issues when they were coming out and loved them. After having to read at least parts of it every day ...
As far as the book aging well thing..I got the issues when they were coming out and loved them. After having to read at least parts of it every day while working on this though, all I can say it's a weird book. It reads like an 80's fever dream at times. Don't get me wrong, I still like it, but I find it to be an odd book now. For the movie we approached it as if it was a film from the 80's (like Robocop) because the material lends itself to that treatment.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337825#Comment_337825 2012-08-01T11:17:33-07:00 2012-08-01T11:18:57-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 Regarding voice acting (and putting aside my rabid love for Conroy and Hamill): I can't say that Bryan Cranston and Peter Weller aren't HUGE draws for me, but I really wish the voice acting ...
I can't say that Bryan Cranston and Peter Weller aren't HUGE draws for me, but I really wish the voice acting casting calls for animated films would stop being influenced by Hollywood actors. It's ruining cartoons. Eliza Dushku might have been on the cover of Maxim countless times, but that doesn't mean she's got a sexy voice. Adrieanne Barbeau made a sultry and sexy Catwoman long after she'd have been able to pull off that catsuit. We don't care what they look like!!!

It reads like an 80's fever dream at times.

HA HA HA HA!]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337829#Comment_337829 2012-08-01T11:34:26-07:00 2012-08-01T11:41:39-07:00 longtimelurker http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=7739 Batman's voice sounds a touch... aristocratic. Perhaps a conscious reaction not to Conroy, but to Bale, who LOWERED Batman's voice like an animal. Carrie Kelly never got her due and she's finally ...
Carrie Kelly never got her due and she's finally getting it here. That alone deserves props.

On one level, the mutant leader is simply pure masculinity: potent, toxic, unapologetic. Of course he's ridiculous; professional wrestlers are ridiculous too... and stupid... but they're just about the only place young males can find raw masculinity embraced in the culture.

I've always thought the mutants were a way of ranking Batman among the Marvel comics of the time. He's stronger than Batman, like the Hulk or the Thing. He's much more savage and violent, like the Punisher. He's much, much younger, like Spider-Man.

And "mutants" equals "X-Men", the best-selling comic of the time. Edit to add: and the visor looks like Cyclops!]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337831#Comment_337831 2012-08-01T12:19:44-07:00 2012-08-02T01:49:40-07:00 flecky http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=8949 Intervesting! I agree about the Hollywood stars and voice acting - I like it when you don't know who's doing the voice (and it's good), and your pleasantly surprised to find it's someone famous. ...
I agree about the Hollywood stars and voice acting - I like it when you don't know who's doing the voice (and it's good), and your pleasantly surprised to find it's someone famous. But when it's, say, Keifer Sutherland or Liam Neeson being dubbed over a cartoon and all the time you know it's them, well, that's all it is; a famous star's voice over a cartoon.

God, I've just destroyed 90% of all the dubbed anime and manga I've ever seen. That'll show me to never think again!

EDIT TO ADD: 90% is a bit high, but I "think" I know what I mean.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337886#Comment_337886 2012-08-02T08:00:15-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 I'm just imagining the 'there are seven working defences...' bit in Robocop's voice. And it's making me feel a little funny. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337888#Comment_337888 2012-08-02T08:53:08-07:00 2012-08-02T09:01:14-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 Just think, the hostage scene that Robocop ripped off from The Dark Knight Returns is actually going to be played by Robocop. Just think, the hostage scene that Robocop ripped off from The Dark Knight Returns is actually going to be played by Robocop.



]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=337913#Comment_337913 2012-08-02T14:12:05-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 longtimelurker http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=7739 I think Charles Bronson did it first. Whatever, badassedness rulez! Speaking of which, I just watched the trailer again: Batman gives the mutant leader a Chuck Norris-style roundhouse kick to the ...
Speaking of which, I just watched the trailer again: Batman gives the mutant leader a Chuck Norris-style roundhouse kick to the face.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=338805#Comment_338805 2012-08-20T10:16:14-07:00 2012-08-20T10:17:54-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 O.K. for those of you who want to see the movie on the big screen for free and live either in the Los Angeles or New York area: Warner Home Video announces bi-coastal premieres of BATMAN: THE ... Photobucket

O.K. for those of you who want to see the movie on the big screen for free and live either in the Los Angeles or New York area:

Warner Home Video announces bi-coastal premieres of
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 1
at The Paley Center for Media in New York, Los Angeles

Highly-Anticipated Premieres slated for September 20 & 24;
Media Invited to Red Carpet Interviews & Screenings;
Limited Free Tickets Available to Fans on First Come, First Served Basis



Warner Home Video and The Paley Center for Media proudly present the bi-coastal World Premieres of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies, in New York on September 20 and Los Angeles on September 24. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will attend both events for red carpet media interviews and post-screening panel discussions.

On Thursday, September 20, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will screen at the Paley Center in New York City (25 West 52nd Street) with media interviews starting at 5:00 p.m. and screening commencing at 6:30 p.m. Following the screening, actor David Selby (The Social Network/Dark Shadows), the voice of Commissioner Gordon, and eight-time Emmy Award winning dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano will lead a panel discussion. Additional panelists will be announced as confirmed.

On Monday, September 24, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will screen at the Paley Center in Los Angeles (465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills) with media interviews starting at 5:30 p.m. and screening commencing at 7:00 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring actors David Selby (The Social Network/Dark Shadows) and Ariel Winter (Modern Family), executive producer Bruce Timm, director Jay Oliva, writer Bob Goodman and dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano. Additional participants, including voice cast members, will be announced as confirmed.

A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the New York event on September 20 must RSVP via email to: DKReturns1@gmail.com

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the Los Angeles event on Sept. 24 must RSVP via email to: DKReturns1LA@gmail.com

All fan RSVPs email MUST include the name of the entrant, a valid email, and the name of the media outlet/website by which the entrant learned of the screening.

Tickets to both events will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=339268#Comment_339268 2012-08-28T21:02:22-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 ]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=339332#Comment_339332 2012-08-29T23:14:55-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 MartinSheen http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9063 I never understood why the Dark Knight Returns gets all the love it gets. The story has some interesting aspects to it but the artwork is awful, boring, and there are far too many tiny panels per ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=339342#Comment_339342 2012-08-30T04:10:06-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 When it came out, there was pretty much nothing like it. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=339348#Comment_339348 2012-08-30T07:55:24-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 ErikCJones http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=8341 I've always enjoyed it. It was crazy for me as a kid to see Batman beat the shit out of Superman, as that put to rest alot of nerd arguments in my basement. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=339979#Comment_339979 2012-09-11T10:50:26-07:00 2012-09-11T16:23:29-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 DC has posted another clip from the DTV:
]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340046#Comment_340046 2012-09-12T19:12:50-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 AtomicSloth http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=390 @Martinsheen I felt exactly the same when I first read Watchmen. I mean it was good and re-readings revealed the beauty of it's structure, but it wasn't untill I tried reading pre-80's superhero ... It's like the switch from silent movies to talkies.

Anyway I've watched it, and it was much better than I expected.
I didn't get far into the animated films of Batman Year One and All Star Superman. To me they both seemed stilted. Closer to motion comics than a film. I know voice-over work is often done one actor at a time, but with these two films it showed.
On the other hand I loved Batman: Under The Red Hood more than most live action Batman films (maybe because I was only familiar with parts of the story) and the film of Justice League: The New Frontier (also not familiar with the source material)
I put this with Red Hoot and New Frontier.
They've toned down the 80'sness of it, while keeping most of the social commentary. They've also toned down the Frank Millerness of it to both good and bad effect.
Despite him becoming a dick, I'll always love his art style but it's neutered here. So is some of the earnest/satirical fascism.
We all (right?) thought Clint Eastwood, old Paul Newman, Lee Marvin etc for Old Batman, but actually Peter Weller is perfect. Weller shows that Batman, even as a grumpy facist angry violent old man, still has his dicipline and code.
Really the thing that made this outshine Year One and All Star Superman for me was the soundtrack. It's generic, repetitive, nothing you'd listen to on its own, but it's loud and stirring and cinematic and just makes the whole thing feel like a proper Film, instead of an exercise in adaptation.

Whether making a decent (but not revolutionary) animated adaptation of a legendary comic book is a good idea? Shrug. Be nice to see the reaction from someone who knows nothing about TDKR after watching this.

Looking forward to the second part.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340053#Comment_340053 2012-09-13T02:34:16-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 MartinSheen http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=9063 @AtomicSloth I never got that feeling with Watchmen.. The first time I read it I could definately see how it must have been groundbreaking. I will give Under the Red Hood a try on your ... I never got that feeling with Watchmen.. The first time I read it I could definately see how it must have been groundbreaking.

I will give Under the Red Hood a try on your suggestion. Cheers for that.

It is a shame Frank Miller turned out to be such a dick, but after looking at his work its obvious that his views were always on show for us to see. In a sense that is a good thing though.. I like that the world has different people with different views producing art that reflects these.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340054#Comment_340054 2012-09-13T03:32:48-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 They announced The Joker in part 2 will be voiced by Michael Emerson - Ben Linus from Lost, currently Harold Finch in Person of Interest. Love me some Hamill but very curious to hear Emerson's ... The Joker in part 2 will be voiced by Michael Emerson - Ben Linus from Lost, currently Harold Finch in Person of Interest. Love me some Hamill but very curious to hear Emerson's take.

@MartinSheen - Batman in Red Hood is voiced by Bruce Greenwood, a personal fave of mine ever since the 90s show Nowhere Man. He also does the Bat for Young Justice. I like his version a lot.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340060#Comment_340060 2012-09-13T07:00:52-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 vandalhandle http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4586 really enjoyed it, and looking forward to part 2, best batman movie i've seen this year by some distance The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340064#Comment_340064 2012-09-13T09:13:43-07:00 2012-09-13T09:42:44-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @ Cat Vincent - also Mark Valley (Human Target) is voicing Superman in DKR pt 2. I really like his Superman voice on part 2. I think he added some sympathy to the character that I think the book ... Mark Valley (Human Target) is voicing Superman in DKR pt 2. I really like his Superman voice on part 2. I think he added some sympathy to the character that I think the book lacked.

Also, to anyone who is going to the Paley Center in Los Angeles screening, they have announced that Peter Weller himself will be there.


edit: I'm glad, so far, there are no "WB is ripping off the fans releasing this in 2 parts" comments after seeing the movie. I saw those comments elsewhere and considering that the movie was downloaded for free...well, I love the irony I guess.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340210#Comment_340210 2012-09-14T09:39:19-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 So, I watched this last night. What was missing was Batman's internal monologue as narration. All those brilliant lines. Except I filled them in myself anyway. I wonder if showings of this are ...
What was missing was Batman's internal monologue as narration. All those brilliant lines. Except I filled them in myself anyway.

I wonder if showings of this are going to turn into some kind of weird karaoke, where everyone watching either reads along with the comic, or like me, they know the classic ones so well anyway that they fill them in without reference.

I mean... things like 'the scream alone is worth it' and 'there are seven working defences from this position' were missing. Except the space for them was still there. So, you know, gruff up yer voice a bit and do them anyway. Take a swig if you miss one, or make up your own rules.

It's a pity they're not there, but this could be turned into something fun to do at showings.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340214#Comment_340214 2012-09-14T09:42:57-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 @atomicsloth - agree with you about the soundtrack. It was great. I actually thought for a bit that they'd lifted the music from Near Dark or The Keep, as it sounded like Tangerine Dream, which was ...
So, yeah, growl along with The Dark Knight Returns is the new thing to do with your slightly nerdy mates.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340221#Comment_340221 2012-09-14T10:14:05-07:00 2012-09-14T10:20:59-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @ Oddcult - I think we were damned if we do and damned if we don't on the inner dialog thing. Some people hated it on "Batman: Year One" and said we made a motion comic instead of an ...
edit: and I agree Chris Drake bought his "A game" this time for the score. Jay Oliva wanted this movie to feel like it was made in '86 so he wanted the score to have touches of Basil Poledouris in there. I hear some Vangelis and Giorgio Moroder florishes as well.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340223#Comment_340223 2012-09-14T10:46:29-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 The animation felt oddly stilted in Year One though. It threw the pace off. Not as badly as something like the Hellsing OVA felt like a shitty motion comic compared to the earlier, really good ...
In DKR the timing felt actively like there were gaps left and the narration was missing, so I filled it in myself. It was a real pity that so many great lines - the gritty hyperbolic psycho-bat classics - were lost as a result of their being no way to get the internal monologue out there.

But yeah, we've invented DKR internal monologue karaoke to fill in, so that's something.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340616#Comment_340616 2012-09-19T16:29:21-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 Just a reminder that the NY screening is tomorrow.
]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340622#Comment_340622 2012-09-19T17:29:53-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 Yes! I got a confirmation email that I'm on the list, but is it just a single invite, or do people get a plus one? I tried emailing, but have gotten no response. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=340625#Comment_340625 2012-09-19T18:05:58-07:00 2012-09-19T18:06:14-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @ Rachael - I wish I knew, I'm afraid that's above my pay grade. sorry. I hope you like the movie though. :) also, the DVD has a sneak of part 2 and you hear a little of Michael Emerson as the ...
also, the DVD has a sneak of part 2 and you hear a little of Michael Emerson as the Joker and of Mark Valley as Superman. there are also a bunch of my color scripts that I did for the film in the background.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=341034#Comment_341034 2012-09-25T13:27:40-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 It's out today. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=341037#Comment_341037 2012-09-25T14:50:42-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 I saw it, and it was really really good. It was a lot better than I thought it'd be, quite honestly. And I got to see ANDREA ROMANO! wHooooooohooo! The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=341038#Comment_341038 2012-09-25T14:57:10-07:00 2012-09-25T14:57:57-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @Rachæl Tyrell - so you got in the screening then? good! Andrea is a sweetheart. one of the nicest people you will meet in animation. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=341047#Comment_341047 2012-09-25T17:31:06-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 oldhat http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=75 Started watching it today and am really enjoying it. The television montage works, the art is wonderful and the voice acting, while a tad jarring for some reason at first, is pretty natural. Digging ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=341051#Comment_341051 2012-09-25T18:20:27-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 CrusherJoe http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=3260 Looking forward to this, and the casting is some of my favorites. So I'm sharing the Nowhere Man love with Cat Vincent, above. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=342637#Comment_342637 2012-10-24T13:10:58-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Hayama http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2287 Trailer for part 2:
]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=345817#Comment_345817 2012-12-21T10:54:29-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 Free tickets for NYC and L.A. screenings for Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2: On Wednesday, January 23, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 will screen at the Paley Center in New ...

On Wednesday, January 23, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 will screen at the Paley Center in New York City (25 West 52nd Street) with media interviews starting at 5:15 p.m. and screening commencing at 6:30 p.m. Following the screening, cast and filmmakers – led by eight-time Emmy Award winning dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano – will take part in a panel discussion of the film. Additional panelists will be announced as confirmed.

On Monday, January 28, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 will screen at the Paley Center in Los Angeles (465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills) with media interviews starting at 5:30 p.m. and screening commencing at 7:00 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring cast and filmmakers including executive producer Bruce Timm, director Jay Oliva, writer Bob Goodman and dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano. Additional participants will be announced as confirmed.

A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the New York event on January 23 must RSVP via email to DKReturns2NY@gmail.com.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the Los Angeles event on January 28 must RSVP via email to DKReturns2LA@gmail.com.

The body of all fan RSVP emails MUST include the following:
Name of the entrant
A valid email address
The name of the media outlet/website by which the entrant learned of the screening

Tickets to both events will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis, and fans will be notified via email.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=346146#Comment_346146 2013-01-01T23:49:32-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 Whooo hooooo! I'm so excited!!! I hope I get tickets! Oh, Andrea Romano, you fabulous woman! The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=346879#Comment_346879 2013-01-15T11:07:04-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 DKR part 2 is out today on iTunes. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=346943#Comment_346943 2013-01-17T02:51:18-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Cat Vincent http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=447 Part 2 is pretty good - Emerson's Joker is very camp, the Bat/Supes showdown is splendid - but some of the cuts (the gun scene actually cut part of the key line) and the lack of voice over still irk. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=346944#Comment_346944 2013-01-17T04:09:16-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Oddcult http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=214 I got abotu halfway though this last night and was enjoying it, but still missed the lack of most of the best lines. A real pity that people who've not read it won't get them but DKR nerd karoke is ... The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=346948#Comment_346948 2013-01-17T04:59:54-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 vandalhandle http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4586 i enjoyed both parts, felt the joker's voice was weak, but maybe i'm spoiled by being very use to Hamill's joker. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=346968#Comment_346968 2013-01-17T10:27:33-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 longtimelurker http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=7739 To be fair, Miller's Joker in the source material was flat and colorless. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=347232#Comment_347232 2013-01-23T10:52:43-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 Just a reminder that the NYC screening is tonight. The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=347263#Comment_347263 2013-01-23T21:13:17-08:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Rachæl Tyrell http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=552 Wheeeee! And it was awesome! I totally got my days mixed up and thought I had a doctor appointment, realized my mistake too late to go back home, and ended up not dressing up in the full Batman ...
But it was AWESOME!!!

Thank you thank you! YAY! How fabulous!]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=347303#Comment_347303 2013-01-24T14:54:57-08:00 2013-01-24T15:09:25-08:00 William Joseph Dunn http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2798 @ Rachæl Tyrell - I'm glad you had a good time Wednesday! For those of you who couldn't make the screening last night in NYC: FYI, Kevin Smith has signed on ...

For those of you who couldn't make the screening last night in NYC:


















FYI, Kevin Smith has signed on to be the moderator for the L.A. screening of DKR part 2 which is this Monday, January 28th.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=350447#Comment_350447 2013-03-25T01:02:58-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 johnjones http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1052 So I read that Kevin Smith has wept every time he's seen the film and I can see why. The Dark Knight Returns is a religious experience. Not a spiritual experience, really, but a religious ... The Dark Knight Returns is a religious experience. Not a spiritual experience, really, but a religious experience in that it allows you to experience a religion, in this case the religion of Millerite Batmanism.

I don't really know the tenets of Millerite Batmanism, though I assume that they're sort of cryptofascist libertarian, much like Miller himself seems to be, but that's a little irrelevant. The movie isn't so much adapted from the books as translated from it. There is no attempt to update, clarify or alter anything from the graphic novel. Moreover, there is no attempt to make the movie at all newbie-friendly. You either know who Selina, Dick, Jason, Oliver, etc., are or you just don't. This is not a film for new believers. This is a film for those already well initiated into the Batmanism doctrines. It is indifferent if not hostile to those less initiated.

Make no mistake, this is a faithfully rendered, brilliantly executed film version of Frank Miller's masterpiece. And it was a masterpiece, a work that reinvented the Batman - along with much of comics as it was known and spoke about and to the hopes, dreams and fears of that generation.

However, this is no longer that generation. The Soviet Union no longer exists. Our foreign challenges consist of nasty places where nasty people to nasty things to themselves and us because we happen to be there, no Superman required. We don't fear nihilist punk gangs as criminals. We fear white collar businesspeople tapping keys that bankrupt us and madpeople coming into our schools and businesses with guns to kill us. Our president is not a amiable, addled old white guy risking nuclear war, but a ruthlessly cool-headed black guy waging war by remote control because we want him to do so.

Still, as far as Batman goes for the 80s, this one was awesome.]]> The Dark Knight Returns Animated Film - good idea? http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=9761&Focus=352361#Comment_352361 2013-05-02T17:17:54-07:00 2013-05-21T10:58:42-07:00 Foamhead http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=8779 Just sat through both parts and, as JohnJones said, frikkin awesome. Loved how they didn't shy away from the original material - Reagan, Soviets, and youz gotsta lubz Bruno, swastika pasties/tats ...
Not 100% sure about Weller as Bats and wished it could've been as darkly-hued as the comic but they're just quibbles. Still grinning like a goon, flashing back to how it felt after reading it way back when and being blown away that they were making comics like that.]]>